CDR Ray graduated from Georgetown University and was commissioned via the NROTC program in 1996.

After attending Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, RI, he reported to his first ship, USS Anchorage (LSD 36). In USS Anchorage, he served as Weapons Officer, Communications Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. Subsequent Sea Tours included E-Division Officer in USS Constellation (CV 64), Chief Engineer in USS Comstock (LSD 45), and N4 Material Officer in Amphibious Squadron THREE (CPR-3).

During his tour in Amphibious Squadron THREE, CDR Ray was selected to fill a one year Individual Augmentation billet at Multi-National Forces – Iraq in the Combined Joint Operations directorate.

After his tour in Iraq, he served in Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific as Force Personnel Officer (N142) and in Military Sealift Command Pacific as Chief Staff Officer.

CDR Ray received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service with a concentration in Humanities and International Affairs from Georgetown University and a Global Masters in Business Administration from National University.

His decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit decorations.

PHUKET, Thailand - Sailors from USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), along with embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participated in a community service project at the Phuket Soi Dog Foundation, May 15.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At sea- Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) visited the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) May 10, to talk with Sailors and embarked Marines about educational benefits for separating service members.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At Sea - The religious programs team aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) handed out donated gifts from various charitable organizations to crew members Dec. 22.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - The crew of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) hosted a reception on the ship’s flight deck for senior military and civilian officials from the U.S. United Arab Emirates and other foreign nations, Jan. 10.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At sea - The First Class Petty Officer Association aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) hosted the first steel beach picnic of the current deployment March 10.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At sea - Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) celebrated the fifth anniversary of the ship's commissioning March 10 while on deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At sea - With the 2011 income tax filing deadline quickly approaching, Sailors and Marines deployed aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) are taking full advantage of the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered on board the ship, March 19-24.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At Sea - Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) were treated to a "Cinco de Mayo" themed celebration during a "steel beach" picnic, May 5.

USS NEW ORLEANS, At Sea - The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) earned its second consecutive Navy Surgeon General's Health Promotion and Wellness award, also known as the "Blue H" award, for excellence in health promotion programs, May 4.

PHUKET, Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in a bilateral community service project with their Royal Thai Navy counterparts at two Phuket schools, May 15.

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